Perceived effect of Ebola Virus Disease (EVD) outbreak on wild animal extraction from Afi Mountain Wildlife Sanctuary (AMWS), Cross River State, Nigeria

Abstract

The 2014 outbreak of EVD has generated fears in some hunting communities in Nigerian as bush meat consumers, traders and hunters have been perceived to stop such practices for fear of contacting the disease. It is on this note that this research was carried out to ascertain the perceived effect of EVD outbreak on wild animal extraction from Afi Mountain Wildlife Sanctuary, (AMWS). The research x-rays the perceived effect of bush meat hunting, bush meat trade, bush meat consumption, and level of awareness of EVD in communities around AMWS and it significance on wild animal conservation. The study made use of semi-structured questionnaire distributed across four communities. The snowball sampling technique was used to administer the one hundred (100) questionnaire representing five (5) percent sampling intensity of inhabitants’ population. Data obtained was analyzed and presented in tables and charts. Results of the investigation shows that majority of the respondents were males of the age group of (18-40) this is an indication that the youths are more involve in these activities. On the level of awareness before and after EVD outbreak, it revealed that not until the 2014 outbreak, respondents were not aware of EVD. Results further revealed that bush meat hunting, trading and consumption still persist. The species observed to be extracted included Rodents, Reptiles and, Aves. It was therefore recommended that proper sensitization on animal and human interaction should be targeted to the youths as they are the majority also relevant agencies should include conservation study in Elementary schools to educate the younger generation on the importance of wildlife our environment and human health.

Keywords: Ebola Virus Disease (EVD), Bush meat, wild animal extraction, AMWS